APS held Yuma open house, helped residents reduce energy bills

Arizona Public Service held a two day customer open house in Yuma on Tuesday November 18 and Wednesday November 19, offering one on one assistance to help residents lower their energy bills and learn about available support programs. The event ran from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days at the Thomas F. Allt Utilities Complex, 270 W. 13th Street, and customers were helped on a first come, first served basis with no appointment required.

Representatives reviewed customer bills, explained rate plan options and shared practical energy saving tips. Staff also provided information about bill assistance programs and encouraged customers to bring documentation that could help determine eligibility. Accepted items included a Quest EBT card, a SNAP slash TANF award letter, or income verification such as one month of pay stubs, W2 forms or last year’s tax return for each adult in the household.

The outreach was aimed at helping customers better understand their energy use and identify ways to reduce monthly bills through rebates, efficiency programs and rate plan adjustments. For residents unable to attend the in person sessions APS offered phone support at 602 371 7171 or 800 253 9405.

Local implications are straightforward. For households managing tight budgets, even modest reductions in monthly utility bills free up income for food, transportation and other necessities. Educational outreach can boost enrollment in existing assistance programs and uptake of rebates and efficiency upgrades, which over time lower per household energy consumption and reduce volatility in monthly spending. For the utility, clearer communication about rate plan choices and targeted assistance can reduce past due balances and lower administrative costs related to collections.

From a policy perspective, events like this reflect a broader emphasis on demand side measures that complement rate design and programmatic support. Rebates and efficiency programs can be cost effective ways to cut peak demand in hot climates, easing strain on the grid during summer months and delaying the need for more costly infrastructure. For Yuma County, where energy use is heavily influenced by cooling needs, better targeting of assistance could have outsized benefits for low income households and for local economic stability.

Residents who missed the sessions still have options to get help understanding bills, checking eligibility and exploring energy saving investments. The original story appeared on KAWC and was reported by Alexandra Rangel on November 17, 2025.